True, statistically the Sedins did drop a lil, but still had good numbers vs other players around the conference. However, for fans who watch a lot of games and watch the Sedins closesly, I think they see signs of the Sedins declining and not being that proficient socring threat that they once were. I fall in this camp too and it is kind of like watching Naslund's game deteriorate all over again. Hope to be wrong, but yeah.

Vader wrote:While the Sedins statistically "declined" last season and had they had some uncharacteristic uneven moments during the season, the reality is that when the dust settled a Sedin lead the Western conference in scoring for the 3rd consecutive season.

The Sedins, in particular Henrik, have been remarkably consistent. I would like to think that the Sedins' drop in production last season has a lot to do with Kesler and the increased clutching and grabbing. I don't think it's a coincidence that the Sedins' best two statistical seasons coincided with Kesler's best two statistical seasons. Then again, it could be the Cup (finals) hangover.

I have to believe that playing as a one line team is a lot more difficult than a two line team. Without the second line firing on all cylinders the oppositions put's all their eggs in one basket shutting down the Sedins. The question is with 3 major injuries in 12 months is Kesler physically breaking down

With Kesler being in the fortunate position of being paid during the lock out I wonder if he'll share his wealth with other NHLPA members not so fortunate and keep up the one all and all for one theme ...it only seems fitting, comrades in arms etc etc yeah right

Fred wrote:I have to believe that playing as a one line team is a lot more difficult than a two line team. Without the second line firing on all cylinders the oppositions put's all their eggs in one basket shutting down the Sedins. The question is with 3 major injuries in 12 months is Kesler physically breaking down

With Kesler being in the fortunate position of being paid during the lock out I wonder if he'll share his wealth with other NHLPA members not so fortunate and keep up the one all and all for one theme ...it only seems fitting, comrades in arms etc etc yeah right

Well he shouldn't need to do that, the players are already filthy rich having fucked over the owners on the last CBA they are rolling in the owners money.

Blob Mckenzie wrote:LOL ... Aaron Rome wasn't even playing in the playoffs. Alberts/Ballard /pylon replaces him. As mentioned Jason Garrison more than replaces Sami Salo. A lot will shake out from the potential trades of a couple players once the lockout is settled.

Rome played in game 1.. was replaced by Ballard to give more offence next game .. ( It didn't work ) Alberts was a healthy scratch for the playoffs..

Not convinced that Garrison has the skill set to replace Salo defensively.. Hoping you are right.

It's like the old joke about the Butler who regularly attended a communist party meeting on his weekly night of and then stopped attending suddenly when asked why he said it had been suggested that any personal savings over $7000 should be donated to the party or new Government wehn they took power..... as I had more than $7000 I decided this was not for me any longer

It's like the old joke about the Butler who regularly attended a communist party meeting on his weekly night of and then stopped attending suddenly when asked why he said it had been suggested that any personal savings over $7000 should be donated to the party or new Government wehn they took power..... as I had more than $7000 I decided this was not for me any longer

I don't believe that the Sedin's statistical decline had very much to do with a drop off in skills or ability. A lot of times it was more a combination that they were being predictable and that the opposition treated them as bona fide stars and knew that they could get away with dirty crap.

In my mind the Sedin's had another positive development year. I just wish that they'll learn the physical side eventually. Like Kesler's play, their current play is just asking for punishment night in and night out leading to inevitable injuries. If I was Canucks brass, I'd ask them train in MMA during the work stoppage.

Kesler will be good to go. As indicated, the longer the prognosis for a return the longer he collects insurance. So as long as one doctor says, well, he needs more time to be 100% then he still collects. Bet your bottom dollar that if the season starts he will be at training camp, 99% healed